Lenalidomide has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of anemia associated with both 5q- and non 5q- MDS patients. The mechanism(s) of action of lenalidomide in MDS is still to be determined, but given the differences in response rates seen, it is probable that the mechanism is different for patients with 5q- disease compared to non 5q- patients. T-cell mediated activation of intramedullary apoptosis in patients with early MDS leading to impaired hematopoiesis has been well described. Immunomodulation with agents such as ATG, cyclosporine and thalidomide have demonstrated clear activity in some patients with MDS. Lenalidomide, among its many effects, is a potent immunomodulator, which may contribute to its ability to improve red blood cell counts in patients with MDS. It is possible that this effect could be augmented with the addition of cyclosporine A (CSA), in a similar manner to CSA effects in patients with other bone marrow failure syndromes such as aplastic anemia.

Subjects will be treated with lenalidomide 10 mg PO daily days 1-28 of a 28-day cycle. Cyclosporine A will be started on day 1 of cycle 2 (day 29) at a dose of 5 mg/kg per day given orally in 2 divided doses. Cyclosporine A levels will be assessed weekly and doses will be adjusted to maintain a serum trough level between 100-450 mg/ml. Patients will continue on therapy for minimum of 16 weeks unless toxicity occurs which precludes continuation on therapy, disease progression and/or patient withdrawal of consent. Patients not achieving response after completing 16 weeks of therapy will discontinue treatment. Patients achieving response will continue therapy until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or loss of response.

Further study details as provided by Weill Medical College of Cornell University:

Primary Outcome Measures:

To evaluate the efficacy of lenalidomide in combination with cyclosporine A (CSA) to achieve red cell transfusion independence in subjects with low- or intermediate-1 risk IPSS MDS without a del (5q31-33) cytogenetic abnormality. [ Time Frame: 12 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Secondary Outcome Measures:

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of lenalidomide in combination with CSA in subjects with low- or intermediate-1 risk MDS without a del (5q31-33) cytogenetic abnormality. [ Time Frame: 12 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]

To assess the immunomodulatory effects of the combination of lenalidomide and CSA in patients with MDS. [ Time Frame: 12 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Able to adhere to the study visit schedule and other protocol requirements.

Diagnosis of low or intermediate-1 risk IPSS (MDS without an abnormality of chromosome 5 involving a deletion between bands q31 and q33. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-dependent anemia as having received ≥ 2 units of RBCs within 8 weeks on the first day of study treatment.

ECOG performance status of ≤ 2 at study entry

Laboratory test results within the following ranges:

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >500 x 109/L

Platelet count ≥ 50 x 109/L

Serum creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL

Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL

AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) ≤ 2 x ULN

Disease free of prior malignancies for ≥ 5 years with exception of currently treated basal cell, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, or carcinoma "insitu" of the cervix or breast.

All study participants must be registered into the mandatory RevAssist® program, and be willing and able to comply with the requirements of RevAssist®.

Females of childbearing potential (FCBP) must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test with a sensitivity of at least 50 mIU/mL within 10 - 14 days prior to and again within 24 hours of prescribing lenalidomide (prescriptions must be filled within 7 days) and must either commit to continued abstinence from heterosexual intercourse or begin TWO acceptable methods of birth control, one highly effective method and one additional effective method AT THE SAME TIME, at least 28 days before she starts taking lenalidomide. FCBP must also agree to ongoing pregnancy testing. Men must also agree to use a latex condom during sexual contact with a FCBP even if they have had a successful vasectomy.

Able to take asprin (81 or 325 mg) daily as a prophylactic anticoagulation (patients intolerant to ASA may use warfarin or low molecular weight heparin).

Exclusion Criteria:

Any serious medical condition, laboratory abnormality, or psychiatric illness that would prevent the subject from signing the informed consent form.

Pregnant or breast feeding females. (Lactating females must agree not to breast feed while taking lenalidomide).

Any condition, including the presence of laboratory abnormalities, which places the subject at unacceptable risk if he/she were to participate in the study or confounds the ability to interpret data from the study.

Use of any other experimental drug or therapy within 28 days of baseline.

The development of erythema nodosum if characterized by a desquamating rash while taking thalidomide or similar drugs.

Any prior use of lenalidomide.

Concurrent use of other anti-cancer agents or treatments.

Known positive for HIV or infectious hepatitis, type A, B, or C.

Inability to aspirate bone marrow (dry tap).

Proliferative (WBC ≥ 12,000/ul) CMML

An abnormality of chromosome 5 involving a deletion between bands q31 and q 33.

Any of the following lab abnormalities:

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <500 cells/mm3 (0.5 x 109/L)

Platelet count ≤ 50,000/mm3 (50 x 109/L)

Serum creatinine ≥ 2.5 mg/dL (221µmol/L)

Serum SGOT/AST or SGPT/ALT ≥ 2.0 x upper limit of normal (ULN)

Serum direct bilirubin ≥ 2.0 mg/dL (34µmol/L)

Clinically significant anemia due to factors such as iron, B12 or folate deficiencies, autoimmune or hereditary hemolysis or gastrointestinal bleeding (if a marrow aspirate is not evaluable for storage iron, transferring saturation must be ≥ 20% and serum ferritin not less than 50ng/mL).

Use of hematopoietic growth factors within 7 days of the first day of study drug treatment.

Chronic use (≥2 weeks) of greater than physiologic doses of a corticosteroid agent (dose equivalent to ≥ 10mg/day of prednisone) within 28 days of the first study drug treatment.

Use of experimental or standard drug (i.e chemotherapeutic, immunosuppressive, cytoprotective agents) for the treatment of MDS within 28 days of the first day of study drug

Prior history of malignancy other than MDS except basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the cervix or breast, unless the patient has been free of disease for ≥ 5 year.

Active viral or bacterial infections or any coexisting medical problem that would significantly increase the risks of this treatment program.

History of thromboembolic event within the past 6 months prior to enrollment.

Patients who have a hypersensitivity to Sandimmune® (cyclosporine).

Contacts and Locations

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00840827